Europe is grappling with widespread travel disruption as a rare winter storm blankets the continent in snow and ice. From the Netherlands to the Balkans, airports are experiencing cancellations, roads are treacherous, and rail networks are struggling to maintain service.
The Netherlands, a country increasingly unaccustomed to significant snowfall, is facing particular challenges. According to reports from January, the recent cold snap – lasting over a week – has already resulted in more than 2,000 flight cancellations and widespread chaos on roads and railways. Buildings have even partially collapsed under the weight of the snow. Cyclists are voicing frustration over the apparent prioritization of road gritting over cycle lane maintenance.
The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) notes a dramatic decline in snowfall frequency, attributing it to the climate crisis. In 1961, snow cover averaged 23 days per year at the De Bilt weather station; now, that number has plummeted to just three days annually. “We just don’t have the winters that we had in the 20th century,” said Wiebe Wieling, former chair of the Elfstedentocht (11 cities tour) Association, expressing a sentiment shared by many Dutch citizens.
The disruption extends far beyond the Netherlands. Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport saw over 1,000 passengers stranded overnight on January 7th as staff worked to clear runways. Rail operator NS has urged travelers to postpone journeys if possible, warning of reduced train services due to the challenging conditions. Both domestic and international train travel are affected.
Across Europe, the situation is similarly strained. Severe weather has disrupted travel for a third consecutive day, with heavy snowfall impacting the Balkans and other regions. Six deaths have been reported as a direct result of the storm, according to reports from the BBC.
Paris experienced a rare snowfall on January 7th, transforming the city into what some described as an “urban ski hill.” Brussels Airport and Eurostar services have also been affected. The storm’s reach extends to Germany, Hungary, and Russia, with reports of icy conditions and travel delays.
Looking ahead, the forecast for the Netherlands offers little immediate respite. While Saturday is expected to be dry with sunshine and temperatures around 3 degrees Celsius, the arrival of a new weather system on Sunday will bring increased cloud cover and the potential for more rain – and even snow in eastern parts of the country. This could cause further disruption, particularly for those celebrating Carnival.
Winter sports enthusiasts traveling to the Alps should also exercise caution. A combination of fresh snowfall and strong winds is creating a heightened risk of avalanches in parts of France, Switzerland, and northern Italy. Some roads and ski areas have been closed as a precaution. Moderate to significant avalanche danger is also present in the Dolomites, eastern Switzerland, and eastern Austria.
As of today, February 12th, the Netherlands is bracing for the possibility of further light snowfall tonight and tomorrow morning in the north and east of the country. While significant accumulation is not expected, even a small amount of snow could cause localized disruption given the region’s diminished capacity to cope with winter weather.
